Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene articles and method of manufacture

ABSTRACT

An article of manufacture comprises an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) mixed with a processing oil and a lubricant selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, ethoxylated fatty acid esters, glycol esters, PEG esters, glycerol esters, ethoxylated esters, sorbitol esters, ethoxylated sorbitol esters, aromatic ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, mercaptan ethoxylates, modified ethoxylates, amide surfactants, phosphate esters, phosphonate esters, phosphite esters, alkyl sulfates, fatty acid ethers, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylaryl ether sulfates, sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sulfonated esters, sulfonated amides, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkylaryl ether carboxylates, quaternary amines, amino quaternary amines, ethoxylated amines, imidazoline derivatives, betaines, sultaines, aminopropionate, catechol derivatives, saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof. The method for making those articles is also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) articles and their manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

UHMWPE is difficult to process because the resin does not flow when melted. Berins, M. L., ed., Plastics Engineering Handbook of the Society of the Plastic Industry, Chapman & Hall, New York City, N.Y. (1991), p. 52. Consequently, UHMWPE is processed by sintering, compression molding, ram extrusion, or gel processing. Sintering is a process where resins are agglomerated by solid-state diffusion. Heat and pressure are usually essential. Compression molding is a process where resins are shaped between the faces of a mold by heat and pressure. Ram extrusion is a process where resins are shaped by forcing it through a die. The force is provided by a ram. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,234,652 and 5,399,308 disclose a dry extrusion process for a mixture consisting of resins and lubricant. Gel processing is a process where resins are formed into gels for subsequent processing. The gel is a dilute solution or suspension of resin in a solvent, e.g., an extractable solvent (or oil or plasticizer).

UHMWPE is gel spun into fibers. In gel spinning, the primary mechanism of solidification is the gelling of the polymer solution by cooling to form a gel filament consisting of precipitated polymer and solvent. Solvent removal is accomplished following solidification by washing in a liquid bath. This process is also used to form microporous films. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,588,633 and 5,248,461. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,588,633, the gel solution consists of 2-4% by weight of UHMWPE. See Examples 1-12. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,461, the gel solution consists of up to 20% by weight of UHMWPE. See Examples 1-20. These membranes are useful as, among other things, separators for electrochemical cells. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,588,633, column 4, lines 30-36 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,461, column 4, lines 57-60.

Another variant of gel processing is gel processing with a filler. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,351,495, 4,833,172, and 5,948,557. Generally, UHMWPE, a processing oil (or plasticizer), and a filler are mixed in an extruder and subsequently made into microporous sheets. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,351,495, the solution consisted of up to 20% by volume of UHMWPE. See Examples 6, 8, 18, 19, 20, and 21. The microporous membranes formed were used as separators for batteries. See column 1, lines 24-33. In U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,833,172 and 5,948,557, a calcium/zinc stearate lubricant, PETRAC® CZ-81, is added to the solution. See Tables 1 and 2, respectively. The microporous membranes formed were used as labels, diffusion membranes, and separators. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,557, column 1, lines 27-41.

There is a need to improve the processability of UHMWPE.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An article of manufacture comprises an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) mixed with a processing oil and a lubricant selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, ethoxylated fatty acid esters, glycol esters, PEG esters, glycerol esters, ethoxylated esters, sorbitol esters, ethoxylated sorbitol esters, aromatic ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, mercaptan ethoxylates, modified ethoxylates, amide surfactants, phosphate esters, phosphonate esters, phosphite esters, alkyl sulfates, fatty acid ethers, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylaryl ether sulfates, sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sulfonated esters, sulfonated amides, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkylaryl ether carboxylates, quaternary amines, amino quaternary amines, ethoxylated amines, imidazoline derivatives, betaines, sultaines, aminopropionates, catechol derivatives, saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof. The method for making those articles is also disclosed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An article of manufacture is any shaped article. For example, articles of manufacture may include, but is not limited to, films, fibers, sheets, plates, slabs, bars, rods, billets, and blocks. Preferably, these articles are made by an extrusion process. These articles also may be microporous, for example, microporous sheets and films.

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a polyethylene polymer having a weight average molecular weight greater than 5×10⁵. The polymer is either a homopolymer of ethylene or a copolymer of ethylene, with at most 10 mol % of one or more alpha-olefins. The polymer may be a blend with UHMWPE comprising at least 50% by weight of the blend and the balance being other polymers, such as, for example, polyolefins and synthetic and natural rubbers. The preferred weight average molecular weight is greater than 2×10⁶. The most preferred UHMWPE has a weight average molecular weight greater than 5×10⁶. UHMWPE resins are commercially available as GUR from Ticona LLC of Summit, N.J., STAMYLAN from DSM of Geleen, Netherland, UTEC from Polyailden of Camacari, Brazil, and HI-ZEX Million, LUBMER, and MIPELON, each from Mitsui Chemical of Tokyo, Japan. GUR 4130 (molecular weight about 4-5 million) and GUR 4170 (molecular weight about 8-9 million) are preferred.

Processing oil (or processing plasticizer) have little solvating effect on the UHMWPE at lower temperatures (e.g. 60° C.), but have a significant solvating effect at elevated temperatures (e.g. 2000). Such oils include paraffinic oils, naphthalenic oils, and aromatic oils, as well as other materials including the phthalate ester plasticizers such as dibutyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylene)phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate, and ditridecyl phthalate. Additional oils, plasticizers, and/or solvents are mentioned in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,351,495; 4,588,633; 4,833,172; 5,248,461; and 5,948,557 are incorporated herein by reference.

The filler includes any particulate filler as is well known in the art. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,351,495; 4,833,172; and 5,948,557 each is incorporated herein by reference. Preferably, the filler is a silica. Such fillers are commercially available under the tradename HiSil® from PPG Industries, Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pa., SIPERANT from Degussa AG of Wesseling, Germany, ZEOSIL from Rhodia, Inc. of Cranberry, N.J. or KETJENSIL from Akzo Chemie of Compiegne, France.

Minor amounts of auxiliary components may be added. Such auxiliary components include: carbon black, stabilizers, and antioxidants. The compounds are conventional and known in the art.

Lubricants are compounds that, when added to an UHMWPE mixture, improve the processability of the UHMWPE mixture. Improved processability refers to a reduction in fusion time (the time it takes the polymeric system to melt (or dissolve) into a flowable solution). Improved processability is also seen as a reduction in energy consumption by the motor and as a reduction in mixture temperature when comparing systems with and without the lubricants. The results arising from this phenomenon include, but are not limited to, decreasing energy consumption, decreased thermal and mechanical degradation of the polymer, increased polymer strength, decreased machine wear, and increased polymer throughputs.

Such lubricants are selected from the material classes consisting of: fatty acid esters, ethoxylated fatty acid esters, glycol esters, PEG esters, glycerol esters, ethoxylated esters, sorbitol esters, ethoxylated sorbitol esters, aromatic ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, mercaptan ethoxylates, modified ethoxylates, amide surfactants, phosphate esters, phosphonate esters, phosphite esters, alkyl sulfates, fatty acid ethers, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylaryl ether sulfates, sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sulfonated esters, sulfonated amides, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkylaryl ether carboxylates, quaternary amines, amino quaternary amines, ethoxylated amines, imidazoline derivatives, betaines, sultaines, aminopropionate, catechol derivatives, saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the lubricants are selected from the material classes consisting of: fatty acid esters, ethoxylated fatty acid esters, PEG esters, ethoxylated esters, sorbitol esters, ethoxylated sorbitol esters, aromatic ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, phosphate esters, phosphonate esters, phosphite esters and combinations thereof. Most preferred are sorbitol esters, ethoxylated sorbitol esters, and aromatic ethoxylates.

Such lubricants are commercially available. An exemplary list is set out in the Table below. Such lubricants specifically exclude the metallic salts of stearic acid (e.g., Zn stearate and Ca stearate) and lubricants containing same. TABLE Tradename or General Class of Abbreviation Surfactants Specific chemical Company Rhodasurf ® LA-12 Alcohol Ethoxylates Mixed linear alcohol ethoxylate Rhodia HPCII Rhodasurf ® LA-3 Alcohol Ethoxylates Mixed linear alcohol ethoxylate Rhodia HPCII Rhodapex ® CD-128 Alkyl (and Alkyllaryl) Ether Ammonium Linear Alcohol Ether Rhodia HPCII Sulfate Sulfate Rhodapon ® BOS Alkyl Sulfates Sodium 2-ethylhexyl Sulfate Rhodia HPCII Rhodapon ® UB Alkyl Sulfates Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Rhodia HPCII Alkamide ® STEDA/B Amide surfactant Ethylene Bisstearamide Rhodia HPCII Igepal ® CO-210 Aromatic Ethoxylates Nonylphenol ethoxylates Rhodia HPCII Igepal ® CO-630 Aromatic Ethoxylates Nonylphenol ethoxylates Rhodia HPCII Igepal ® RC-630 Aromatic Ethoxylates Dodecyl Phenol Ethoxylates Rhodia HPCII Mirataine ® CBS Betaines, Sultaines, and Coco/Oleamidopropyl Betaine Rhodia HPCII Aminopropionates Mirataine ® COB Betaines, Sultaines, and Cocamidopropyl Hydroxy Sultaine Rhodia HPCII Aminopropionates Miranate ® LEC-80 Ether Carboxylate Sodium Laureth 13 Carboxylate Rhodia HPCII Rhodameen ® PN-430 Ethoxylated Fatty Amines Ethoxylated (5 moles) tallow amine Rhodia HPCII Rhodameen ® T-50 Ethoxylated Fatty Amines Ethoxylated (50 moles) tallow Rhodia HPCII amine Calcium Stearate Fatty acids, saturated Calcium stearate Linseed Oil Fatty acids, unsaturated Linoleic and linolenic acids Hardware Store Tung Oil Fatty acids, unsaturated Eleostearic acid Hardware Store Alkamuls ® GMS Glycerol ester Glycerol stearate Rhodia HPCII Kemester ® 1000 Glycerol trioleate Glycerol trioleate Crompton Corp. Alkamuls ® EGDS Glycol ester Glycol distearate Rhodia HPCII Alkamuls ® JK Guerbet ester Guerbet diester Rhodia HPCII Neustrene ® 059 Hydrogenated tallow glycerol (30% Palmitic, 60% Stearic) Crompton Corp. Neustrene ® 064 Hydrogenated tallow glycerol (88% Stearic, 10% Palmitic) Crompton Corp. Miranol ® C2M-SF Imidazoline derivative Disodium Cocoampho Rhodia HPCII Dipropionate Miranol ® JEM Imidazoline derivative Sodium Mixed C8 Rhodia HPCII Amphocarboxylate Antarox ® 724/P Ethoxylate Rhodia HPCII Rhodacal ® N Naphthalene Formaldehyde Sodium Naphthalene Rhodia HPCII Sulfonates Formaldehyde Sulfonate Supragil ™ WP Naphthalene Sulfonates Sodium Diisopropyl Naphthalene Rhodia HPCII Sulfonate Alkamuls ® EL-620 PEG Ester PEG-30 Castor Oil (ricinoleic + Rhodia HPCII oleic + palmitic . . . ) Duraphos ® 2EHA PO4 Phosphate Ester Phosphoric Acid, Mono & Di(2- Rhodia HPCII ethylhexyl) ester DEHPA ® extractant Phosphate Ester Phosphoric Acid, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Rhodia HPCII ester Rhodafac ® LO-11A LA Phosphate Ester Phosphoric Acid, Blend of linear Rhodia HPCII octyl/decyl alcohol esters Amgard ® TOF Phosphate Ester Phosphoric Acid, Tris(2-ethylhexyl) Rhodia HPCII ester Albrite ® B(2EH) 2EHP Phosphonate Ester Phosphonic Acid, (2-ethylhexyl)- Rhodia HPCII bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester Octylphosphonic Acid Phosphonate Ester Octyl Phosphonic Acid Ester Rhodia HPCII Rhodaquat ® DAET-90 Quaternary Amine Complex ditallow sulfate Rhodia HPCII quaternary amine Alkamuls ® SML Sorbitan ester Sorbitan Monolaurate Rhodia HPCII Alkamuls ® SMO Sorbitan ester Sorbitan Monooleate Rhodia HPCII Alkamuls ® STO Sorbitan ester, ethoxylated Sorbitan Trioleate Rhodia HPCII OT-75, OT-100 Sulfosuccinates Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate Cytec

The components, UHMWPE, filler (optional), processing oil, and lubricant, are mixed. In formulations with filler, the weight ratio of polymer to filler may range from 1:1 to 1:5, 1:3 being preferred. The ratio of UHMWPE and filler to oil may range from 1:1 to 1:2, 1:1.5 being preferred. The lubricant may comprise up to 15 weight % of the formulation, with 0.2 to 8% being preferred. In formulation without filler, the polymer may comprise up to 80% by weight of the mixture, preferably in the range of 20-65% by weight. The ratio of oil to lubricant may range from 3:1 to 1:3, with the range of 2:1 to 1:2 being preferred. The components are preferably mixed in a continuous fashion, for example, in a twin screw extruder or a Brabender extruder or a screw extruder with a blown film die.

After mixing, the mixture is shaped. Shaping will depend upon the particular article desired, as is known in the art. For example, if a film or sheet is desired, then the appropriate die may be added to the extruder. After shaping, the articles are most often subjected to a step to remove the processing oil or solvent from the article (gel), (e.g., an extraction (or washing or leaching) step to remove processing oil and lubricant). This step is conventional. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,351,495; 4,588,633; 4,833,172; 5,248,461; and 5,948,557 each is incorporated herein by reference. In formulations with filler, the extruded sheets are preferably subjected to an extraction step to remove processing oil. After extraction, these sheets may have about 0.5% (nominally 0%) to 30% by weight oil remaining, preferably 5-25%, and most preferably 10-20%. It is understood that it is impossible to remove all of the processing oil and lubricant from any of the mixtures, so at least a trace amount will remain in the final articles. In formulations without fillers, the extruded sheets are preferably subjected to an extraction step. After extraction, these sheets may have only residual amounts of oil and lubricant. Articles may be subjected to stretching or tentering before, during, or after extraction.

Preferably, these articles are formed into microporous sheets or films. Such microporous sheets and films may be used as labels, diffusion membranes, and separators in electrochemical devices (e.g., batteries, capacitors, and fuel cells). A battery is an electrochemical device having an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte, and a separator sandwiched between the anode and the cathode and impregnated with the electrolyte. Formulation with filler are used preferably in lead acid batteries. Formulations without filler are used preferably in lithium batteries.

EXAMPLES

In the following examples, set out in Tables 1-8, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (GUR 4130 and GUR 4170 from Ticona LLC of Summit, N.J.), filler (specifically silica, HiSil from PPG of Pittsburgh, Pa.), processing oil (naphthalenic oil from Calumet Co. of Princeton, La.), and lubricant (as identified in the tables) were blended together and extruded from a twin screw extruder. The extruded product, a sheet, was subjected to an extraction step for the removal of processing oil. During extrusion, torque (% Kw) and melt temperature were measured for comparison to control (examples without additive) and indicates the amount of energy needed to mix the components. After extraction, the amount of oil remaining in the article of manufacture (final oil %) was determined by a extraction technique in which: a dried, 1.33 inch (3.38 cm)×6 inch (15.24 cm) piece of sheet was weighed (W1) and then immersed in 200 ml of fresh, room temperature hexane in a ultrasonic bath for at least 15 minutes; then the sample is dried and reweighed (W2). The % oil is [(W1-W2)/W1]*100. Two samples are averaged. Additionally, basis weight was measured in conventional fashion, and thickness (web) by ASTM D 374, MD tensile by ASTM D 638, porosity by Battery Council International (BCI) TM-3.207, and ER by BCI TM-3.218 using a conventional tester from Palico Instrument Limited of Circle Pines, Minn. Puncture strength generally follows ASTM D3763 except as noted below: The instrument used was a Chatillon digital force guage DFIS 10 on a motorized test stand TCM 201. Chatillon/Ametek is located in Largo, Fla. The puncture tip is slightly rounded and 1.930 mm in diameter, and the platform hole is 6.5 mm in diameter. The travel speed is set at 300 mm/min, and at least 10 measurements are averaged across a representative area of the sample. This method is generally independent of sample size, and representative area of the sample refers to across the width and length of a reasonably sized sample. The peak force needed to puncture the sample is recorded in units of N or lbs.

In Tables 1-5, ingredients were mixed at the throat of the extruder, and in Tables 6-8, the lubricant was injected through the extruder's barrel. TABLE 1 Examples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Additive name A B C D E F G Polymer type 4170 4170 4170 4170 4170 4170 4170 4170 Polymer kg 4.14 4.14 4.14 4.14 4.14 4.14 4.14 4.14 Filler kg 10.76 10.76 10.76 10.76 10.76 10.76 10.76 10.76 Additive kg 0.00 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 Oil kg 27.50 26.41 26.41 26.41 26.41 26.41 26.41 26.41 Torque % KW 26 24 25 27 24 25 26 24 Melt Temp. ° C. 210 214 214 216 208 268 208 212 Web Thickness microns 189.2 217.2 220.0 209.8 208.0 206.2 205.5 203.2 Basis Weight g/m² 106.9 140.0 140.9 127.1 134.1 129.4 134.0 127.0 Puncture N 11.9 24.3 23.6 24.2 17.8 20.0 19.2 16.8 MD Tensile N/mm² 17.5 28.9 29.1 29.3 27.3 21.9 26.4 21.6 Porosity % 63.1 60.2 60.1 61.9 65.6 63.2 59.0 61.1 ER w/o Coating mohm-cm² 582.6 285.2 279.4 285.2 385.2 505.8 705.8 541.3 Final Oil % 18.2 13.9 14.1 15.2 14.9 16.7 14.5 19.7

TABLE 2 Examples 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Additive name A B C D E F G Polymer type 4130 4130 4130 4130 4130 4130 4130 4130 Polymer kg 4.14 4.14 4.14 4.14 4.14 4.14 4.14 4.14 Filler kg 10.76 10.76 10.76 10.76 10.76 10.76 10.76 10.76 Additive kg 0.00 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 Oil kg 27.50 26.41 26.41 26.41 26.41 26.41 26.41 26.41 Torque % KW 28 24 26 27 25 28 25 26 Melt Temp. ° C. 207 211 214 214 203 216 214 221 Web Thickness microns 179.1 232.2 227.3 211.3 172.0 209.6 202.4 229.4 Basis Weight g/m² 106.6 147.8 139.9 131.8 112.9 135.3 132.1 144.7 Puncture N 11.8 20.4 21.0 17.0 14.2 16.6 15.9 14.8 MD Tensile N/mm² 18.3 24.8 21.9 23.1 21.9 19.1 22.6 16.9 Porosity % 67.2 60.7 63.7 63.0 61.6 63.6 60.6 62.2 ER w/o Coating mohm-cm² 461.3 240.0 263.2 283.2 163.2 361.3 362.6 471.6 Final Oil % 23.8 13.4 15.6 13.7 22.8 14.7 14.3 13.7

TABLE 3 Examples 17 18 19 20 21 22 Additive name A B C F H Polymer type 4170 4170 4170 4170 4170 4170 Polymer kg 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.10 Filler kg 8.41 8.41 8.41 8.41 8.41 8.41 Additive kg 0.00 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.82 Oil kg 20.35 19.52 19.52 19.52 19.52 19.52 Torque % KW 27 24 24 24 26 22 Melt Temp. ° C. 208 211 210 211 210 208 Web Thickness microns 173.0 161.5 177.8 180.1 177.8 191.3 Basis Weight g/m² 111.7 119.6 107.3 123.5 126.3 140.3 Puncture N 11.4 16.2 13.6 16.0 13.2 20.3 MD Tensile N/mm² 20.3 34.5 18.4 24.2 20.6 26.5 Porosity % 59.2 58.1 59.7 60.7 59.7 59.1 ER w/o Coating mohm-cm² 434.8 127.7 145.8 248.4 435.5 76.1 Final Oil % 14.0 13.7 13.9 13.7 12.9 12.8

TABLE 4 Examples 17 23 24 25 40 Additive A H A name Polymer 4170 4130 4170 4170 4170 type Polymer kg 3.10 3.10 2.87 2.87 4.39 Filler kg 8.41 8.41 9.20 9.20 11.86 Additive kg 0.00 0.82 1.63 1.63 1.12 Oil kg 20.35 20.35 18.78 18.78 26.99 Torque % KW 27 24 23 23 23 Melt Temp. ° C. 208 209 211 208 216 Web mi- 173.0 177.8 180.3 172.7 114.3 Thickness crons Basis g/m² 111.7 113.3 135.4 137.4 83.8 Weight Puncture N 11.4 10.1 13.5 17.5 11.4 MD N/mm² 20.3 16.9 21.6 32.8 27.1 Tensile Porosity % 59.2 62.3 59.0 58.5 65.5 ER w/o mohm- 434.8 464.5 78.1 64.5 36.1 Coating cm² Final Oil % 14.0 14.6 12.5 11.6 14.7

TABLE 5 Examples 26 31 27 28 29 30 Additive name I J K K Polymer type 4130 4170 4170 4170 4170 4170 Polymer kg 3.10 4.39 3.10 3.10 4.34 3.25 Filler kg 8.41 11.86 8.41 8.41 11.75 8.81 Additive kg 0.00 0.00 0.82 0.82 0.53 0.82 Oil kg 20.35 28.66 19.52 19.52 27.86 20.48 Torque % KW 28 23 23 24 25 Melt Temp. ° C. 217 217 222 227 Web Thickness microns 188.5 183.4 192.8 179.6 198.9 191.5 Basis Weight g/m² 100.1 102.4 117.9 127.2 114.6 116.7 Puncture N 9.6 13.1 16.8 22.0 11.5 12.8 MD Tensile N/mm² 15.6 20.4 28.4 33.2 12.8 12.5 Porosity % 63.0 66.3 62.5 61.1 66.2 65.9 ER w/o Coating mohm-cm² 320.3 221.9 109.8 397.4 292.3 220.0 Final Oil % 13.7 10.9 11.2 11.5 11.9 12.5

TABLE 6 Examples 31 32 33 34 35 41 Additive name J J J J J Polymer type 4170 4170 4170 4170 4170 4170 Polymer kg 4.39 4.39 4.39 4.39 4.39 3.35 Filler kg 11.86 11.86 11.86 11.86 11.86 9.04 Additive kg 0.00 0.55 1.12 2.32 3.59 1.63 Oil kg 28.66 27.83 26.99 25.25 23.42 23.59 Torque % KW 28 28 26 24 25 24 Melt Temp. ° C. 217 210 207 205 204 204 Web Thickness microns 183.4 175.3 182.9 162.6 170.2 182.9 Basis Weight g/m² 102.4 119.2 122.2 126.0 141.2 118.5 Puncture N 13.1 15.2 20.8 22.5 24.5 17.1 MD Tensile N/mm² 20.4 24.3 38.2 48.8 48.5 22.1 Porosity % 66.3 65.3 61.4 58.1 57.0 61.1 ER w/o Coating mohm-cm² 221.9 198.7 282.6 1052.9 751.6 543.9 Final Oil % 10.9 12.8 12.5 13.9 13.3 13.8

TABLE 7 Examples 31 36 37 38 39 Additive H H H H name Polymer 4170 4170 4170 4170 4170 type Polymer kg 4.39 4.39 4.39 4.39 4.39 Filler kg 11.86 11.86 11.86 11.86 11.86 Additive kg 0.00 0.55 1.12 2.32 3.59 Oil kg 28.66 27.83 26.99 25.25 23.42 Torque % KW 28 25 24 26 27 Melt ° C. 217 213 201 200 204 Temp. Web mi- 183.4 170.2 182.9 183.6 167.6 Thickness crons Basis g/m² 102.4 108.2 152.2 145.4 156.4 Weight Puncture N 13.1 12.9 22.5 16.4 14.8 MD N/mm² 20.4 21.3 46.7 38.3 33.4 Tensile Porosity % 66.3 64.4 61.2 61.1 57.0 ER w/o mohm- 221.9 46.5 223.9 593.5 150.3 Coating cm² Final Oil % 10.9 14.1 12.9 13.8 12.5

TABLE 8 Examples 49 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 Additive name L M N O P Q R Polymer type 4170 4170 4170 4170 4170 4170 4170 4170 Polymer Kg 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 Filler Kg 8.79 8.79 8.79 8.79 8.79 8.79 8.79 8.79 Additive Kg 0.00 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.82 Oil Kg 21.27 20.34 20.34 20.34 20.34 20.34 20.34 20.34 Torque % KW 24 24 24 24 23 24 23 24 Melt Temp. ° C. 227 234 233 236 235 234 234 237 Web Thickness microns 157.5 177.8 167.6 175.3 185.4 162.6 180.3 175.3 Basis Weight g/m² 110.6 126.3 120.0 125.0 129.4 119.4 119.4 125.6 Puncture N 10.6 18.5 15.9 18.5 16.4 17.5 13.8 17.4 MD Tensile N/mm² 16.3 34.8 31.9 45.7 31.6 35.8 33.1 35.8 Porosity % 64.5 61.6 62.5 63.0 63.4 61.7 63.0 63.7 ER w/o Coating mohm-cm² 470.3 872.9 1707.1 201.3 376.1 225.2 294.8 19.4 Final Oil % 13.6 12.5 12.7 14.3 14.0 14.8 15.5 14.3

In the following examples, set out in Table 9, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (GUR 4130 from Ticona LLC of Summit, N.J.), processing oil (naphthalenic oil from Calumet Co. of Princeton, La.), and lubricant (as identified in the table) were blended together and extruded from a twin screw extruder. The extruded product was observed as it exited the extruder die and categorized by appearance scale 1-10. A rating of 10 meant a smooth product that appeared well mixed, and a rating of 1 meant a very grainy and rough appearance. TABLE 9 Examples: 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 polymer wt % 33.0 38.5 52.9 38.5 52.2 50.0 45.0 61.0 25.0 65.0 oil wt % 33.0 46.1 17.7 38.5 23.9 35.0 20.0 14.0 50.0 12.7 additive wt % 33.0 15.4 29.4 23.0 23.9 15.0 35.0 25.0 25.0 22.3 name additive J J J J J J J J J J VISUAL RATING 5 6 8 8 9 4 1 10 10 4

-   A=Phosphate Ester; fatty alcohol blend phosphate esters; Rhodafac     LO-11A LA from Rhodia HPCII of Cranberry, N.J. -   B=Phosphate Ester; Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate ester from Rhodia     HPCII of Cranberry, N.J. -   C=Phosphate Ester; Bis(2-ethylhexyl)+mono(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate     esters from Rhodia HPCII of Cranberry, N.J. -   D=Phosphonate Ester; 2-ethylhexyl bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphonate ester     from Rhodia HPCII of Cranberry, N.J. -   E=Phosphate Ester; Tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate ester from Rhodia     HPCII of Cranberry, N.J. -   F=Fatty acids, unsaturated; linoleic and linolenic acids; Linseed     Oil. -   G=Fatty acids, unsaturated; eleostearic acid; Tung Oil. -   H=Phosphonate Ester; octyl phosphonic acid ester from Rhodia HPCII     of Cranberry, N.J. -   I=PEG Esters; PEG-30 castor oil (ricinoleic+oleic+palmitic . . . );     Alkamuls EL-620 from Rhodia HPCII of Cranberry, N.J. -   J=Sorbitan Esters; sorbitan monooleate; Alkamuls SMO from Rhodia     HPCII of Cranberry, N.J. -   K=Sulfosuccinate Ester; dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate; OT-100 from     Cytec Industries of Charlotte, N.C. -   L=Sorbitan Ester; sorbitan monolaurate; Alkamuls SML from Rhodia     HPCII of Cranberry, N.J. -   M=Sorbitan Ester Ethoxylated; sorbitan trioleate; Alkamuls STO From     Rhodia HPCII of Cranberry, N.J. -   N=Aromatic Ethoxylate; dodecyl phenol ethoxylates; lgepal RC-630     From Rhodia HPCII of Cranberry, N.J. -   O=Aromatic Ethoxylate; nonylphenol ethoxylates; lgepal CO-210 From     Rhodia HPCII of Cranberry, N.J. -   P=Aromatic Ethoxylate; nonylphenol ethoxylates; lgepal CO-630 From     Rhodia HPCII of Cranberry, N.J. -   Q=Alcohol Ethoxylate; mixed linear alcohol ethoxylates; Rhodasurf     LA-3 from Rhodia HPCII of Cranberry, N.J. -   R=Alcohol Ethoxylate; mixed linear alcohol ethoxylates; Rhodasurf     LA-12 from Rhodia HPCII of Cranberry, N.J.

In the following examples, set out in Table 10, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (GUR 4170 from Ticona LLC, Summit, N.J.), filler (silica, HiSil from PPG of Pittsburgh, Pa.), processing oil (naphthelenic oil from Calumet Co. of Pamaton, La.), and lubricant (as identified in the table) were mixed together and extruded from a Brabender extruder (BW Brabender Co. of South Hackensack, N.J.). In the control, 5.42 grams of UHMWPE was mixed with 14.65 g filler and 30.56 g oil. In the other examples, 5.42 grams of UHMWPE was mixed with 14.65 filler, 29.06 g oil and 1.50 g lubricant. This procedure is used to predict the lubricant's efficacy by observing fusion time and terminal torque. The fusion time is a measure of when the polymer dissolves in the oil (phase inversion of the polymer). The fusion time is typically the second peak on a plot of torque as a function of time. The fusion time typically occurs after a first peak which indicates wetting of the polymer by the oil. The terminal torque is measured after 10 minutes of mixing. TABLE 10 Fusion Time Terminal Additive (sec) Torque (mg) Control - 59% Oil 182 660 Octyl PO4 42 501 Antarox 724/P 48 685 Alkamide STEDA/B 55 845 Rhodasurf LA-12 61 633 T(2EH)PO4 64 640 Alkamuls SMO 65 566 Igepal CO-630 66 627 Alkamuls STO 66 553 Alkamuls SML 71 607 Rhodasurf LA-3 74 545 Alkamuls EL-620 83 583 Igepal CO-210 88 528 Igepal RC-630 92 601 Linseed Oil 92 650 B(2EH)2EHP1 92 610 2EHAPO4 95 465 DEHPA 100 410 Rhodafac LO-11A 109 516 Rhodapon BOS 110 623 Tung Oil 114 647 OT-75 115 820 Rhodapex CD-128 122 570 Miranol C2M-SF 125 678 Mirataine COB 135 730 Mirataine CBS 135 752 Miranate LEC-80 140 672 Miranol JEM 149 727 Rhodapon UB 152 892 Supragil WP 153 776 Ca Stearate 196 766 Rhodacal N 230 816 Neustrene 059 Neustrene 064 Kemester 1000 Rhodaquat DAET-90 Rhodameen PN-430 Rhodameen T-50 Alkamuls GMS Alkamuls EGDS Alkamuls JK

The present invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit and the essential attributes thereof, and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicated the scope of the invention. 

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. An article of manufacture comprising: an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) mixed with a filler, a processing oil, and a lubricant selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, glycol esters, glycerol esters, aromatic ethoxylated esters, alcohol ethoxylated esters, sorbitol esters, aromatic ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, mercaptan ethoxylates, modified ethoxylates, phosphate esters, phosphonate esters, phosphite esters, alkyl sulfates, fatty acid ethers, alkylaryl ether sulfates, naphthalene sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sulfonated esters, sulfonated amides, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkylaryl ether carboxylates, amino quaternary amines, ethoxylated amines, imidazoline derivatives, betaines, sultaines, aminopropionate, catechol derivatives, saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof.
 9. The article of manufacture of claim 8 wherein said lubricants being selected from the group consisting fatty acid esters, aromatic ethoxylated esters, alcohol ethoxylated esters, sorbitol esters, aromatic ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, phosphate esters, phosphonate esters, phosphite esters, and combinations thereof.
 10. The article of manufacture of claim 8 wherein a weight ratio of said ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene to said filler ranges from 1:1 to 1:5.
 11. The article of manufacture of claim 8 wherein said lubricant comprising up to 15% by weight.
 12. The article of manufacture of claim 8 wherein said ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene has a molecular weight greater than 2×10⁶.
 13. A battery separator comprising a microporous membrane comprising the article of claim
 8. 14. The separator of claim 13 wherein said battery being a lead acid battery.
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled)
 21. A method of making an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) article comprising the step of: mixing ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, filler, processing oil, and a lubricant selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, glycol esters, glycerol esters, aromatic ethoxylated esters, alcohol ethoxylated esters, sorbitol esters, aromatic ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, mercaptan ethoxylates, modified ethoxylates, phosphate esters, phosphonate esters, phosphite esters, alkyl sulfates, fatty acid ethers, alkylaryl ether sulfates, naphthalene sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sulfonated esters, sulfonated amides, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkylaryl ether carboxylates, amino quaternary amines, ethoxylated amines, imidazoline derivatives, betaines, sultaines, aminopropionate, catechol derivatives, saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof, and extruding said mixture.
 22. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of extracting processing oil from said extruded mixture.
 23. The method of claim 21 wherein the extruding step is performed by an extrusion process selected from the group consisting of: screw extrusion, Brabender extrusion, and blown film extrusion.
 24. The method of claim 21 wherein a weight ratio of the UHMWPE to the filler ranges from 1:1 to 1:5.
 25. The method of claim 21 wherein a weight ratio of the UHMWPE and filler to the oil ranges from 1:1 to 1:2.
 26. The method of claim 21 wherein the lubricant being selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, aromatic ethoxylated esters, alcohol ethoxylated esters, sorbitol esters, aromatic ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, phosphate esters, phosphonate esters, phosphite esters, and combinations thereof.
 27. The method of claim 21 wherein the lubricant comprises up to 15% by weight of the mixture.
 28. The article of manufacture of claim 8 wherein said lubricant comprising from 0.2% to 15% by weight.
 29. The method of claim 21 where said lubricant comprises from 0.2% to 15% by weight of the mixture.
 30. A method of increasing mechanical strength of a filled predominately ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) article comprising the step of: mixing ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, filler, processing oil, and a strengthening lubricant to form a mixture, where said strengthening lubricant comprises from 0.2% to 15% by weight of the mixture, and where said strengthening lubricant is selected from the group consisting of: fatty acid esters, ethoxylated fatty acid esters, glycol esters, PEG esters, glycerol esters, ethoxylated esters, sorbitol esters, ethoxylated sorbitol esters, aromatic ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, mercaptan ethoxylates, modified ethoxylates, amide surfactants, phosphate esters, phosphonate esters, phosphite esters, alkyl sulfates, fatty acid ethers, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylaryl ether sulfates, sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sulfonated esters, sulfonated amides, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkylaryl ether carboxylates, quaternary amines, amino quaternary amines, ethoxylated amines, imidazoline derivatives, betaines, sultaines, aminopropionate, catechol derivatives, saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof, extruding said mixture to produce an extruded mixture; forming an article from said extruded mixture, where said article exhibits a 5% or greater puncture strength over a similar article which does not contain said strengthening lubricant.
 31. A method of increasing mechanical strength of a filled ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) article comprising the step of: mixing ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, filler, processing oil, and a strengthening lubricant to form a mixture, where said strengthening lubricant comprises from 0.2% to 15% by weight of the mixture, and where said strengthening lubricant is selected from the group consisting of: fatty acid esters, ethoxylated fatty acid esters, glycol esters, PEG esters, glycerol esters, ethoxylated esters, sorbitol esters, ethoxylated sorbitol esters, aromatic ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, mercaptan ethoxylates, modified ethoxylates, amide surfactants, phosphate esters, phosphonate esters, phosphite esters, alkyl sulfates, fatty acid ethers, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylaryl ether sulfates, sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sulfonated esters, sulfonated amides, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkylaryl ether carboxylates, quaternary amines, amino quaternary amines, ethoxylated amines, imidazoline derivatives, betaines, sultaines, aminopropionate, catechol derivatives, saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof, extruding said mixture to produce an extruded mixture; forming an article from said extruded mixture, where said article exhibits a 5% or greater increase in tensile strength over a similar article which does not contain said strengthening lubricant.
 32. A method of decreasing fusion time of a filled ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) material comprising the steps of: mixing ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, filler, processing oil, and a strengthening lubricant to form a mixture, where said strengthening lubricant comprises from 0.2% to 15% by weight of the mixture, and where said strengthening lubricant is selected from the group consisting of: fatty acid esters, ethoxylated fatty acid esters, glycol esters, PEG esters, glycerol esters, ethoxylated esters, sorbitol esters, ethoxylated sorbitol esters, aromatic ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, mercaptan ethoxylates, modified ethoxylates, amide surfactants, phosphate esters, phosphonate esters, phosphite esters, alkyl sulfates, fatty acid ethers, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylaryl ether sulfates, sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sulfonated esters, sulfonated amides, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkylaryl ether carboxylates, quaternary amines, amino quaternary amines, ethoxylated amines, imidazoline derivatives, betaines, sultaines, aminopropionate, catechol derivatives, saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof, extruding said mixture to produce an extruded mixture; where fusion time is a measure of how long it takes for the polymer to dissolve into the oil and where fusion time is reduced compared to a sample without the strengthening lubricant.
 33. An article of manufacture comprising: an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) having a molecular weight greater than 5×10⁶, mixed with a filler, a processing oil, and a lubricant selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters, ethoxylated fatty acid esters, glycol esters, glycerol esters, aromatic ethoxylated esters, alcohol ethoxylated esters, sorbitol esters, ethoxylated sorbitol esters, aromatic ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, mercaptan ethoxylates, modified ethoxylates, phosphate esters, phosphonate esters, phosphite esters, alkyl sulfates, fatty acid ethers, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylaryl ether sulfates, sulfonates, naphthalene sulfosuccinates, sulfonated amides, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkylaryl ether carboxylates, quaternary amines, amino quaternary amines, ethoxylated amines, imidazoline derivatives, betaines, sultaines, aminopropionate, catechol derivatives, saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof.
 34. The article of manufacture of claim 35 wherein said lubricants being selected from the group consisting fatty acid esters, ethoxylated fatty acid esters, aromatic ethoxylated esters, alcohol ethoxylated esters, sorbitol esters, ethoxylated sorbitol esters, aromatic ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, phosphate esters, phosphonate esters, phosphite esters, and combinations thereof.
 35. The article of manufacture of claim 35 wherein a weight ratio of said ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene to said filler ranges from 1:1 to 1:5.
 36. The article of manufacture of claim 35 wherein said lubricant comprising up to 15% by weight.
 37. A battery separator comprising a microporous membrane comprising the article of claim
 35. 38. The separator of claim 39 wherein said battery being a lead acid battery. 